WARNING: Reverences to sue. Not overly explicit.
Chapter 4 - Courting Gestures
Jango was disturbed by the silence.
The front gate to Jabba's palace was open. Jango had his blaster out but the first guards he came across were already dead.
It quickly became a theme.
The carnage was frankly impressive.
Death Watch would have been jealous, though Jango could tell it hadn't been them, despite the multiple bodies draped over every piece of furniture, there were no signs of torture.
Every blaster shot had been a death kill, the work of a sniper. The few deviations were people who had been sliced open, again, death kills, one or two swipes.
Whatever group had hit this place had been strategical and Jango felt his heart increase at each step.
This was militant, and Jango would bet every credit he had on this being the deed of Mandalorians.
That, however, didn't ensure Boba was safe.
It wasn't until he got to Jabba's throne room, did he lower his blaster.
Jabba was dead.
A single blade through his eye.
Jango didn't think there was any left in the palace alive or had remained. Death of a Hutt was no small thing.
When word of this reached Nal Hutta, their word was an invasion on Tatooine.
Jango frowned at the hilt of that knife, approaching the corpse that stank to holy hell, and yes, it was familiar, because it was his knife.
He ripped it out, a part of him deeply pleased by the gesture.
Had the wielder been courting him, it was one of the most ancient Mandalorian romantic gestures, a sarad'kar. A sarad'kar was to literally take a fallen or injured warrior's weapon to carry out their vengeance in their honour.
Jango really hoped these people who had savaged Jabba's palace were allies and not people he would have to pick off.
He searched the slave quarters where he found mutilated corpses. Several unrecognizable who had their faces torn off with fingernails or bludgeoned to death. He also found indications of slave chips being removed, but no sign of Boba.
Jango's fists tightened, he didn't know where to start looking. Boba was intelligent, but wouldn't be able to give whoever had him coordinates.
Something creaked in his hand.
Jango scowled, examining the hilt of his blade. The grip had an odd shape to it. Removing the grip guard, he found a small beacon receptor along with a note that confirmed his suspicions of Mandalorian involvement.
In Mando'a was written, Your ad'ika is safe.
Jango wouldn't be sure of that until he had Boba back in his arms, but at least he had direction.
Mace sighed as he put the call through.
Dooku answered not long after, —Mace, this is a surprise.
Mace bowed to him, "Dooku, how are you, old friend?"
—Calling me old already, your title as duelling champion of the Order goes to your head.
"I'm one of Yoda's Padawans, if ever I need humbling, I'm close to the source."
Dooku laughed at that, —And perhaps that's why I left, I never enjoyed being humbled.
"I'm afraid I'm calling today with less than pleasant remembrances."
—Ah, yes, I was wondering when I would be contacted about my Grandpadawan's death.
"Did the Chancellor tell you?"
—You think I'm not paying mind to my lineage? Dooku answered, evading the question.
Mace didn't push it, "His death remains a mystery. Yoda believes his departure had something to do with Qui-Gon's teachings."
Dooku's halo image frowned, —I am afraid I'm not following. You did well in suppressing the news of Kenobi's death, but how he died, I know nothing about.
Mace sighed, "I was there, Dooku, and I do not understand how it happened, but I felt him die."
Dooku cocked his head to his side, —Describe it.
"Obi-Wan was in my quarters discussing Anakin's training with myself and Knight Quinlan Vos. He was rather emotional, so he took a breath, centring himself in the Force."
—He was assassinated with you and another Knight present, within the Temple? Dooku asked, heated scorn in his voice.
"No, he fell into the Force."
—What do you mean he 'fell into the Force.'
"He joined with it, completely," Mace said. "Then between one breath and the next he disappeared."
—He turned invisible?
"No, he dissolved. Bodily. He dematerialised; his robes and lightsaber fell to the floor intact. The feeling was like that of an older Jedi letting old age take them, letting go of life."
Dooku blinked, —Fascinating.
Mace sighed, "That's your reaction to the death of one of finest Knights."
—If you remember, I never met him. It was Qui-Gon's wish to keep us apart and I respected that. While it seems Kenobi's death is a great loss, of the ways to pass on into the next life, there are worse ways to go.
Mace shook his head, "Do you know of the techniques that would have made it possible?"
Dooku hummed, —We know it's not something he learned from Yoda or the other Masters. Possibly the archives, but Jedha's teachers seem more likely. Their philosophies are more focused on spiritual practices than any Force fighting forms.
"Did Qui-Gon ever discuss any of this with you?"
—No. The closest thing I can think of is the Ancient Sith techniques created in the pursuit of immortality. Such as Force Ghosts or memories. Dematerilazing of the body implies a separation from the material world, but I've never encountered any case of a disappearing body.
Mace shook his head, "It can't be related to the Sith, Obi-Wan can't —couldn't— use the Dark Side of the Force."
Dooku scoffed —Spare me, anyone, who touches the Force can use the Dark Side of the Force. Besides, despite everything positive Qui-Gon ever told me of his last Padawan, he worried about him.
Mace took in a bracing breath, "I knew them both and I talked in depth with Qui-Gon about this. He was never afraid of Obi-Wan falling, he was afraid of him leaving the Order, afraid that he would fail him as a Master."
—Why, if not his falling, would Qui-Gon fear his Padawan leaving the Order?
"You know that as much as Qui-Gon clung to the moment, he was plagued with frequent Force visions."
—Yes, they were the bane of his existence and almost always led him astray.
"He saw Obi-Wan alone, suffering. He saw his Padawan in unimaginable pain, saw him surrounded by fire and destruction. Qui-Gon was unable to spare Obi-Wan that."
—I am missing the explanation of why you think this is why Kenobi could not use the Dark Side?
"Obi-Wan's powers were based on his belief in himself. He was extremely gifted at shielding, so much so that I don't know if even Yoda knew for certain what his actual power limit was. But whenever he became unbalanced, he simply cut himself off from the Force. He can't use the Dark Side, because he sees the Force as light, and he only ever reaches out to the light."
—Are you suggesting that the theory of the Dark and the Light side existing not in the Force but within our own minds is not only provable but additionally, the notion that any one person could exist without darkness within them?
"No," Mace said. "I'm saying that Obi-Wan is a stubborn bastard and he was gifted with the ability of self-actualizing."
—Mind over matter, Dooku drawled. —Yoda must have loved the boy dearly.
"He does —did." Mace sighed, "I'm… he was a dear friend of mine. I would like to understand how he came to harm."
—If he self-actualized, Dooku said. —Then it was suicide, and you should accept that he is where he wished to be.
"He was a fighter," Mace denied. "I can't believe— I don't believe he would have left us like that."
—He left Qui-Gon once, early in his apprenticeship, if I am remembering correctly. And if we are to assume that Qui-Gon's visions were correct, then the man was suffering and he did leave.
Mace didn't have an answer to that.
Dooku sighed, —I am sorry, young one, but sometimes those hurting the most, show it the least. Within our minds lies the path to paradise, as well as the road to ruin.
Mace's throat tightened and it was all he could do to say, "May the Force be with you."
—And with you, Dooku replied closing the link.
Mace stood and with a burst of rage, threw the com across the room with a cry that tore threw his chest. He fell back into his seat, pressing the heels of his hand to his eyes.
He was the speaker of the High Council, he was the head of the Order, the one who was supposed to take over Yoda's position for caring for their Knights who went into the field, for the Padawans who were finding their way.
He had failed Obi-Wan.
Failed him beyond imagining.
How had it come to this? When had Obi-Wan decided consciously or unconsciously that death was better than remaining with the Order?
How many of their mistakes had led Obi-Wan, the Light of the Order, to give up on hope?
Jango found his ship in a rather odd location, in the middle of nowhere a little too close to Tusken territory for his like, but the hatch opened when he hit the code.
He had his blaster raised and nearly fired on instinct when he heard Boba's scream.
But a moment later, he realized the scream was a wail of laughter.
Boba was rolling on the floor, in front of man who sat on the ground, leaning on one raised knee. There was a mat gameboard between the pair, it was a gift Jaster had given him so long ago, Jango damn near forgot he had recovered it.
The stranger looked up at him, with blue-grey eyes that were far too familiar. Jango didn't see anyone else in his ship, though he noticed his armour —that had been polished and painted (another courting gesture as it so happened)— was neatly placed outside his and Boba's room.
"Su cuy'gar," the stranger-not-stranger said.
It was a common Mandalorian greeting that translated to, You're still alive.
"Buir!" Boba shouted, standing up to run to Jango and in his haste, Boba almost tripped over his own feet.
"Where are the others?" Jango asked the stranger in Mando'a, blaster still held, though pointed toward the ceiling as he knelt to catch Boba in an embrace. His hand began checking his ad'ika over, though his eyes remained on the intruder.
His pronunciation was strangely proper Mando'a, as if learned out of a textbook, but his accent was obviously originated from a dialect found only Stewjon, an agricultural colony of the old Mandalore Empire. It was owned by the Watch now.
Stewjoni accents tended to warp Mando'a to sound smother, the transitions between the words softer.
It was a shame Jango had only heard it spoken by terrorists.
"I'm alone."
Jango scoffed, "You expect me to believe you took on the whole of Jabba's palace single-handled?"
"Technically, you did. I have no armour, I borrowed yours and posed as myself as you. I hope that the title of Hutt Slayer doesn't bring you undo trouble."
Jango stared at him, "Who the hell are you?"
"Obi-Wan Kenobi," the man answered blandly.
Jango twitched.
No One from Nowhere, and exiled from his clan. It was an ancient name, given to sickly children not expected to live past infancy, or given as a punishment to those who had dishonoured their clan.
"You're Stewjoni," Jango said, lowering his blaster.
"My mother was, yes. I was adopted outside of the Mandalore system. I apologize if you feel that as a Kenobi, I have dishonoured your armour."
Jango shook his head, "No, you saved my son, I am indebted to you."
Kenobi looked away, something like shame colouring his cheeks, "You owe me nothing, Jango Fett."
"Buir," Boba said, tugging on his tunic. "Wan killed a Hutt! And he freed all the slaves, he's a warrior like ba'buir!"
Jango's heart flipped, and he hugged his son tighter to him, kissing the crown of his head before he said, "I owe you a life debt, Obi-Wan Kenobi."
The man said nothing, neither accepting nor declining.
What an odd person.
He was a contradiction, a—
He freed all the slaves.
Perhaps it was only because he had been thinking on it earlier, but Jango finally placed the familiarity of those blue-grey eyes, those rounded shoulders, "Have you ever been to Bandomeer?"
Kenobi's head snapped up and his voice was a tad sharp as he asked, "Excuse me?"
"Bandomeer. I was sold into slavery once, in an undersea mine, a saw a boy there who intended to protect —only he ended freeing us all from the mines."
Kenobi blinked, opened his mouth, and then shut it, "That was a long time ago."
"Not so long," Jango said, then gave the man another once over, taking the time to appreciate the young man's appearance. His robes were close-fitting white, with a dark grey outer robe, dark belt, and boots.
Jango sort of wished he could have seen Kenobi in his armour.
The thought sent a shiver up his spine.
"You've certainly grown up."
Kenobi snorted, rising gracefully to his feet, "You have no idea."
Boba riggled out Jango's hold and before he could stop the ad, Boba lunged at Kenobi, clinging to one of the man's legs.
"You can't go! You can't!"
Kenobi smiled down at him, "I must, my young friend. You are returned to your guardian, and now it has come time for me to leave this dust ball."
"I can take you wherever you wish to go," Jango said, standing and holstering his blaster. "It is the least I can do."
"That is not necessary—"
"I insist," Jango said firmly.
You literally slaughtered a Hutt stronghold for me and freed slaves in my honour to save my son, di'kut.
Jango wondered if Kenobi understood how attractive he was, both conventionally and by Mandalorian standards.
Kenobi huffed, "In that case, I would be grateful for a lift, though not if it is too far out of your way."
Nah, he definitely doesn't know.
Boba cheered and Kenobi stooped to pick the ad'ika up in his arms, instinctually pressing his forehead to Jango's son in a keladabe kiss.
Great everlasting kriff.
If this man was at all inclined, he was getting Kenobi in his bed. Preferably underneath him. He couldn't remember anyone ever pressing his buttons this hard and he would be damned if he let the opportunity pass him by.
"At this point, Kenobi, I wouldn't be opposed to tracking down enough Beskar and having it forged for you."
Kenobi stared at him, speechless for a moment before saying, "I am a Kenobi, I cannot legally own Beskar."
Jango rolled his eyes, closing the hatch, "You are more Mandalorian than anyone who would dare imply such a thing."
"Careful, Fett, you don't know me," Kenobi warned.
Jango strode to him until he was in the man's personal space, Boba and Kenobi's arm pressed between them.
Kenobi stood his ground, eyes unafraid as he looked up to meet Jango's gaze.
It was an effort not to think inappropriate things.
It was an unwise thing to do to put himself this close to another warrior, but Jango had killed Jetiiese with his bare hands, he had no equal among his own people.
"I know enough," Jango said, low so that the other man could feel the rumble of his voice against his arm. "Enough that I haven't gutted you for holding my son without permission."
Kenobi smirked at him, "That I'm not willing to harm children can hardly stand as the whole of my character."
Jango laid hand on Boba's back, the boy was playing with Kenobi's beard and watching them both as if he were watching a holo-cartoon.
Jango leaned down to whisper in the shorter man's ear, "It's enough to know that you're not the wrong sort of Mandalorian."
He was close enough to hear Kenobi's breath hitch, pressed together as they were, he felt the shiver run down the other man's spine.
Good, the attraction was mutual.
He wouldn't be letting this man escape him any time soon.
Jango pulled back, stepping around him to the pilot's seat.
He heard Kenobi let out a long breath before coming to sit in the co-pilot's seat.
Jango swallowed a grin, as he started the ship up.
The man had even refuelled the ship.
Seriously, where had this man been hiding when Jango had been looking to start up a family?
"Where are we going?" Jango asked, watching unabashedly as Kenobi strapped himself in rearranging Boba securely in his lap. His son was contenting himself playing with Kenobi's long fingers.
The man's callouses seemed particularly intrusting to the toddler, but it wasn't as if Jango ever let anyone else hold his son.
Kenobi seemed to roll the question over in his mind before saying, "Serreno."
Jango stilled, reevaluating everything he thought he knew.
Kenobi raised a brow, "Too far out of your way?"
Jango cleared his throat, looking away to hide his scowl, "Not at all."
In fact, it was exactly where Jango had been scheduled to go.
It was truly a pity that Jango didn't believe in coincidence.
AN: Thoughts, tiger salamanders, or feedback, pretty please?